“The land is lit with autumn blaze.”
–Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)
I’ve been anticipating these few weeks of October ever since we moved back to the Midwest in June—the gilding on tree-covered hillsides, the crimson coats on sumac trees, and, of course, the swaths of gold and vermilion among the maples.
The trees appear dressed for a grand party!
Indeed, autumn was the season I missed most during our forty years in Florida.
So Friday afternoon I sat on our second-story deck, to observe more closely the magnificent display in our back yard. You see, a shallow woods stands sentry between the houses on our street and the houses behind us. Among the tree-fellows, chestnut, elm, oak, and others stretch their colorful arms heavenward.
But already the trees are beginning to lose their leaves.
Elm leaves somersault while they plummet, flashing sparks of sunlight from their luminous topsides.
Oak leaves drift downward, gracefully zigzagging side to side.
But whether they tumble or drift, the leaves of all deciduous trees will eventually fall, having fulfilled their purpose: photosynthesizing light, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
As human beings, we, too, have purpose to our existence: to live for the praise of God’s glory (Ephesians 1:11). What an honor is ours, to inspire others to give praise to the King of the universe.
And how might we do that?
- Reflect God’s character, like the elm leaves flashing in the sunlight. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we can shine as lights (Matthew 5:14)–offering assistance or a listening ear, being a positive voice and example, exercising self-control and patience.
- Give praise to God at every opportunity. As tree leaves fall, the lacey branches are exposed, all reaching upward toward the sunlight. Our hearts should be raised toward the Light of Life, the Son of God.
(“My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands” — Psalm 63:3-4)
We can:
- Praise him in the morning for the opportunities of the day ahead.
- Praise him in the afternoon for the blessings and accomplishments already enjoyed.
- Praise him in the evening for his guidance and care throughout the day, his strength for the challenges, and the blessing of rest yet to come.
- Be content (Philippians 4:11). God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Begin to name those blessings and note how your heart begins to swell with elation–blessings like:
- relief of forgiveness
- liberation from guilt
- assurance of hope
- confidence of access to his presence
- certainty of eternal life.
(How long might the list grow if we continued?)
Just as autumn blazes around us, may our hearts blaze to live for the praise of God’s glory!
(Photo credits: www.galleryhip.com; http://www.media-cache-akO.pinimg.com.)
